The 15 islands in the heart of the South
Pacific are spread over an area the size
of India with a population of 16,000 which
is no bigger than a small New Zealand country
town. These unique and friendly Polynesians
have their own language and government and
enjoy a vigorous and diverse culture with
significant differences between each island.
Despite some 100,000 visitors a year to the
capital island - Raratonga - the Cook Islands
are largely unspoiled by tourism. There are
no high-rise hotels, only four beach buggies
and very little hype.